The Working Conditions of Performance Analysts in Oceania

Abstract

Performance analysis (PA) has become an essential tool in the sports industry and employment in this sector is growing across all levels in Oceania. Despite the continued growth of research on PA there is little known about the specific working conditions of the analysts. The aim of this research is to understand the working conditions of performance analysts employed in the Oceania region and to and identify ways to better support practitioners. An online survey distributed to performance analysts in Oceania collected data on PA demographics, job type, remuneration and job satisfaction. Sixty-five performance analysts across a wide range of the industry completed the survey. Data analysis involving descriptive statistics, a T-test and a Mann Whitney U test showed that responding performance analysts were predominantly young males earning an average of $62,000 per annum, with six years of experience and a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification. Pay varied significantly across the industry and analysts frequently travelled and worked above their agreed hours without extra remuneration, all conditions that have been shown to lead to burnout and poor long-term retention in similar industries. However, the participants primarily responded ‘strongly agree’ or ‘somewhat agree’ to six out of the nine intrinsic work quality questions and overall, the analysts felt valued in their workplace and were satisfied with their job.